Chapter 1: The Rush to Create AI Content

Isn't it evident that there's a frenetic push to churn out AI-generated content? The mindset seems to be to cash in on this wave before it subsides. It appears that many are neglecting to pause and reflect on how AI could be used constructively. Subtlety is being overlooked in this frenzy.

One of my primary concerns about AI is the misconception that individuals have become artists simply by utilizing these tools. This phenomenon resembles the practice of applying filters to Instagram photos and then claiming to be photographers. The term "Prompt Artist" has even emerged to describe such individuals.

While I hold no animosity towards AI, I do believe that it will eventually evolve into something truly remarkable. However, the current focus is predominantly on hastily generating content to make a quick profit. Regrettably, much of this output is characterized by a glaring lack of originality and quality, with instances of plagiarism occurring far too frequently.

A notable example is the AI-generated song “Heart on My Sleeve,” attributed to Drake and The Weeknd, which skyrocketed to the top of streaming charts before the respective record labels intervened to have it removed.

The AI companies' responses are not particularly reassuring. They seem more preoccupied with justifying their handling of intellectual property than addressing the real concerns at hand. Recently, a group of prominent authors initiated a lawsuit against OpenAI, demanding the removal of their works from the ChatGPT database, which was reportedly populated by scraping content from the web.

The list of plaintiffs reads like a prestigious roster of authors, including George R.R. Martin, John Grisham, and Jodi Picoult. One of their attorneys, Rachel Gemen, made a poignant statement: “The defendant’s choice to replicate authors’ works without providing options or compensation jeopardizes the livelihood of writers as a whole.”

CNET shared a response from OpenAI that felt rather disconcerting. They claimed, “Creative professionals worldwide utilize ChatGPT as part of their creative process. We respect the rights of writers and authors and believe they should benefit from AI technology. We are engaging in constructive dialogues with many creators globally, including the Authors Guild, to discuss their concerns regarding AI.”

This statement overlooks several critical issues. It suggests a willingness to collaborate with authors, many of whom are clearly opposed to such partnerships. There is no mention of compensation or a commitment to remove intellectual property upon request.

While OpenAI asserts that creative professionals should benefit from AI, their actions suggest otherwise. They seem more inclined to maintain the status quo, often battling creators in court rather than facilitating their success.

The distress caused by these practices extends across all creative fields—drawing, painting, writing, video production, music, and beyond. When there’s profit to be made or a thirst for attention, ethical considerations often take a backseat.

It’s also baffling that some individuals still operate under the belief that anything found online is fair game. “Copyright? I’m too small for them to pursue, and that artist is probably wealthy.”

I have a few questions for those who identify as digital ‘artists’:

• How do you find satisfaction in creating your AI-generated content?
• Do you genuinely believe you’ve achieved something significant?
• Are you proud enough to share with the world, “Look, I created this!”

I struggle to comprehend this mindset. True artisans have dedicated years to honing their skills and can attest to the fulfillment derived from using those abilities to create outstanding works. Their success is often accompanied by recognition of the hardships they faced during their artistic journey.

Without these foundational skills, the resulting work loses its intrinsic value, becoming akin to the mass-produced art available at IKEA.

One might argue that these initial AI creations are necessary for the evolution of what can be achieved, leading to a transformative shift. However, it would be prudent to refrain from releasing subpar content or appropriating the work of others without their permission.

In the first video titled "The Foolproof Skillset to Get Rich in the AI Age," viewers can explore essential skills that can lead to financial success in today’s AI-driven world.

The second video, "This Man Earns Over $1,000 Daily With AI (Without Being an Expert)," showcases how an individual generates significant income using AI without extensive expertise.